Dunn, Esther Cloudman, 1891-....

Born in 1891, Esther Cloudman Dunn was raised in Portland, Maine. Attending Cornell University, Dunn graduated in 1913, and became the first woman to receive a Ph.D. in literature from the University of London. Prior to her tenure at Smith College, Dunn taught at Reading High School and Bryn Mawr College. Known for her research, Dunn explored Shakespeare, William Wordsworth, the Elizabethan Age, and romanticism. Dunn taught at Smith from 1922-1959, eventually becoming chairman of the college's English department. Publishing numerous books and articles, Dunn was a well-known scholar for her 1939 work Shakespeare in America. After retiring from Smith, Dunn continued to work nearly up until her 80th birthday, teaching both a graduate seminar in Washington D.C. and a course at the University of Massachusetts. Battling increasing deafness and lameness, Dunn passed away August 1, 1977 at the age of 86.

From the guide to the Esther Cloudman Dunn Papers RG 42., 1864-1977, (Smith College Archives)

Dunn graduated from Cornell University, A.B., 1913 and the University of London, Ph. D., 1922. She first taught at Reading High School (Mass.) and then at Bryn Mawr College (1913-1919). She was professor of English literature at Smith College (1922-1960) and taught at the Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College and elsewhere. Dunn's particular areas of expertise were in the Elizabethan age, Shakespeare, Wordsworth and Romanticism. Dunn died Aug. 1, 1977.

From the description of Esther Cloudman Dunn papers, 1864-1977. (Smith College). WorldCat record id: 52591049

Dunn was professor of English literature at Smith College (1922-1960); Dodd was the founder of the Hampshire Bookshop in Northampton, Massachusetts in 1916.

From the description of [Letter] Christmas 1929 [to] Marion / "Father" Dunn. (Smith College). WorldCat record id: 712603311